Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is home to one of the country’s most rapidly growing economies and populations, thanks mainly to the arrival of immigrants from around the world.

 

Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces of Western Canada. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and important natural resource industries like forestry and fishing. It boasts two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, and vast expanses of pristine wilderness.

 

Saskatchewan is very successful with immigration. The province was welcoming between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers per year. That number has now grown to 15,000. This is particularly impressive considering that Saskatchewan’s population is just over 1 million. The province is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for newcomers.

 

 

Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP

 

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) launched in 1998.

 

It was launched to help address economic and labor market needs through immigration to the province.

Saskatchewan’s provincial program has been very successful. Seven out of 10 newcomers to the province immigrated through the SINP. The province also has a high employment rate for newcomers, around 76 percent. Retention rates are also high, with over 85 percent of newcomers choosing to stay in Saskatchewan.

 

Saskatchewan is a popular destination among newcomers. The Saskatchewan PNP program has a reputation for being an “easy PNP”. This may be because of the variety of immigration options it provides immigration candidates.

 

Saskatchewan has an enhanced sub-category and many base sub-categories. The enhanced sub-category is called Saskatchewan Express Entry and is under the International Skilled Worker Category.

 

Enhanced means that the sub-category is aligned with the Express Entry system, which is the system that the federal government uses to manage permanent residence applications through the country’s three main economic class immigration programs.

 

The Express Entry system gives a candidate a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence during an Express Entry draw.

 

If you get a nomination from an enhanced provincial program, you get an extra 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You also get your nomination through your Express Entry profile.

 

The majority of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams. This means that they are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates who get a provincial nomination are required to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 

 

Saskatchewan Immigration Streams:

If you wish to immigrate to Saskatchewan, then you have four options to choose from:

 

• International Skilled Worker Category

• Saskatchewan Experience Category

• Entrepreneur and Farm Category

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.

 

 

The International Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan.

 

The Saskatchewan Experience Category is for foreign workers who are already living in Saskatchewan, including holders of a current work permit and international graduates.

 

The Entrepreneur and Farm Category is for individuals who wish to own and actively operate a business or a farming operation in Saskatchewan.

 

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international students graduating from an eligible post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and who are planning to start a business in the province.

 

International Skilled Worker Category

 

 

The International Skilled Worker Category consists of four pathways:

 

 

Tech Talent Pathway

This sub-category is for highly skilled workers who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in one of 11 tech occupations. 

 

 

Employment Offer

This sub-category is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.

 

 

Occupations In Demand

This sub-category is for highly skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, who do not yet have a job offer in the province.

 

 

Saskatchewan Express Entry

This sub-category is for candidates already in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool and who have skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan.

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

• Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;

• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 110 on the point assessment grid.

 

 

1. Sub-Category                   

    Tech Talent Pathway 

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Meet language requirements;

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet licensure requirements if necessary;

• Have at least one year of work experience in the past 5 years in the intended occupation or six months if working for a supportive employer. 

 

2. Sub-Category                   

    Employment offer 

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             

–  Meet language requirements (CLB 4);

–  Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet licensure requirements if necessary;

–  Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years in the intended occupation.

 

3. Sub-Category                   

    Occupations in Demand

    Is a job required?                 

    No                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             

• Meet language requirements (CLB 4);

• Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training,

• Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training, in an in-demand skilled occupation;

• Get proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by Saskatchewan;

• Have enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan.

 

4. Sub-Category                     

    Saskatchewan Express Entry

    Is a job required?                 

    No                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             

• Be in the Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;

• Meet language requirements

• Have at least one year of post-secondary education or training;

• Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training in an in-demand skilled occupation;

• Get proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by the SINP;

• Have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade, if your work experience is in a skilled trade;

• Have enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan.

 

 

Saskatchewan Experience Category

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The Experience Category consists of six pathways:

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Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit

 

This sub-category is for skilled workers who have been working in Saskatchewan for at least six months and who hold valid work permits.

 

 

Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

This sub-category is for semi-skilled workers who have been working for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering them a job, or who have previously worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months. They must also have a full-time permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer as a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (NOC 8432).

 

Health Professionals

This sub-category is for physicians, nurses, or other healthcare workers who have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan.

 

 

Hospitality Sector Project

This sub-category is for food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff in Saskatchewan. They must have been working for at least six months in the province.

 

 

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

This sub-category is for those who have been working at an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

 

 

Students

This sub-category is for students who graduated from a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada, and who worked in Saskatchewan for at least 24 months. Students who graduated from a Saskatchewan institution need to have worked in the province for just 6 months.

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

 

1. Sub-Category                   

    Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Have a valid work permit,

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible job,

• Have worked for at least six months for the employer offering the permanent job,

• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4,

• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and

• Have proof of eligibility for licensure if required.

 

2. Sub-Category                   

    Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Have been working for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering a job; or,

• Have previously worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months;

• Have a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) occupations:

• NOC 8431: General Farm Worker

• NOC 8432: Nursery and Greenhouse Worker

• Meet other criteria of the sub-category

 

3. Sub-Category                   

    Health Professionals

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Requirements differ for physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. However, generally, the candidate must

• Have a valid work permit,

• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter,

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer,

• Must meet other requirements.

 

4. Sub-Category                   

    Hospitality Sector Project

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Have a valid work permit for Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453); Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661),

• Be employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months, working for an approved employer;

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an approved employer;

• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter;

• Have at least a high school education,

• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4.

 

 

5. Sub-Category                   

    Long Haul Truck Driver Project

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Have been working for an approved trucking firm for at least six months with a work permit,

• Have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license,

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from their employer,

• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter, and

• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4.

 

6. Sub-Category                    

    Students

    Is a job required?                 

    Yes                     
    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree outside or in Saskatchewan,

• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4,

• Have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan,

• Hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP),

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation,

• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

 .

 

Entrepreneur and Farm Category

 

 

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

This sub-category is for people who wish to invest in Saskatchewan by establishing, acquiring, or partnering in a business in the province. You’re expected to take on an active management role in the business.

 

 

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

This sub-category is for experienced farmers with a large capital who are looking to invest in a farming operation and settle in Saskatchewan.

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

 

• Must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD (or $300,000 through the Young Farmer Stream),

• Must have accumulated your net worth through legal means (verified to at least 80 percent).

 

 

 

1. Sub-Category                    

    Entrepreneur Sub-Category

                  

    Additional requirements:                                                             – 

• Must have at least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years,

• Must have a minimum equity investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 CAD in another Saskatchewan community.

• Must have a Business Establishment Plan (BEP);

• Must own at least one-third of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan (unless their total investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher);

• Must create or maintain at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (if the business is in Regina or Saskatoon),

• If you’re purchasing a business in Saskatoon or Regina, you must maintain the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers at the time of purchase,

• You must live in Saskatchewan with your family,

• You must sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided by the SINP after the application is approved.

• The business must meet additional requirements.

 

 

1. Sub-Category                    

    Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

                  

    Additional requirements:         

• Must have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience,

• Must have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity.

 

 

       The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements:

• Must have at least three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience,

• Must have the potential to supplement your farming income with your spouse/common-law partner’s marketable employment skills, based on education and experience.

 

 

 

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

 

This category is for international graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, who are planning to start a business. Approved candidates must operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least a year to be eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

 

This category is for international students graduating from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and who are planning to start a business in the province. Approved candidates will have to operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least a year to be eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old,

• Must have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma that is at least two years in duration from a Saskatchewan-designated learning institution,

• Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that is valid for at least two years,

• Must have lived in Saskatchewan for the duration of their academic program;

• Must meet the language requirement of CLB 7.

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